Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year 2021
Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year 2021 is a 107-proof (53.5% ABV) Kentucky straight wheated bourbon, 750mL, aged a full 10 years in new charred American oak — the entry point of the cult Van Winkle lineup, bottled at a higher proof than its Family Reserve siblings. The 2021 annual fall allocation, distilled and bottled by Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, KY for the Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery Co. — available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
The Van Winkle family has produced bourbon for over a century, and since Stitzel-Weller closed in 1992, Buffalo Trace has distilled these wheated-recipe bourbons under contract to the family's exacting specifications. The wheated mash bill — wheat in place of rye — is what makes Pappy pour soft: "Baby Pappy" is the enthusiast shorthand for this 10-year release. Rated 95 points (Exceptional) by the Beverage Testing Institute.
Tasting notes (official buffalotracedistillery.com copy): "A sweet vanilla nose with caramel, pecan and oak wood. Smooth, mellow flavor consisting of robust wheat, cherries and oak. Features a long, smoky wheat finish with hints of fruit, spice and oak tannins."
Why buy: At 107 proof this is the boldest pour in the Van Winkle lineup — and the annual fall allocation sells out everywhere, every year. A 10-year wheated bourbon at cask-adjacent strength is the definition of a special-occasion bottle. More bourbon whiskey at Del Mesa Liquor, or browse Pappy Van Winkle at Del Mesa Liquor.
FAQ — people also ask:
Q: Is Old Rip Van Winkle 10 Year the same as Pappy Van Winkle?
A: It's the same family and the same wheated recipe, distilled by Buffalo Trace — the "Pappy" label proper starts at 15 years. This 10-year is nicknamed "Baby Pappy."
Q: Why is it 107 proof?
A: Unlike the 90.4-proof Family Reserve expressions, the 10 Year is bottled near barrel proof — just a splash of Kentucky limestone water at bottling, per the brand.
Q: Is the 2021 allocation still available?
A: Annual Van Winkle allocations are extremely limited. Compare other whiskey at Del Mesa Liquor.